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River Falls book talk features humorous, poignant look at retirement

Retired educators and River Falls residents Dick and Sue Beckham now have the time for recreational reading and writing. They each have an essay in a published collection called "Retiring Minds: Life after Work," which will be the topic of a talk at the River Falls Public Library.Submitted photo

Anyone who is retired, retiring soon, or ever planning to retire may want to stop in at the River Falls Public Library to hear from three individuals whose writings are featured in a new collection of essays and poems on the joys, perils and pitfalls of retirement.

"Retiring Minds: Life after Work" celebrates the possibilities and honors what can happen after leaving professional duties behind, the cover declares.

The book's editor, Susan Thurin, will talk about retirement years, writing memoirs and the process of self-publishing at 7 p.m. Monday, February 9 in the library's lower level.

Sue and Richard Beckham, two retired River Falls residents will also read from their writings included in the book.

Sue, a published author, describes herself as "a Southerner by birth and a Northerner in translation." With degrees in English and American Studies, she taught writing courses, cultural studies of American cinema, best sellers and detective fiction in the English department at UW-Stout.

Richard retired from teaching British literature and humanities courses in the English department at UW-River Falls, where he served as department chair for nine years. In retirement he hones his skills as a photographer and travels widely, taking Sue along with him.

Thurin retired from UW-Stout after teaching English for 35 years. In addition to editing "Retiring Minds," she has authored two historical books.

Books will be available that evening for sale and signing. There is no admission charge. Call the library at 425-0905 for more information.